Al Ettifaq are under pressure to raise cash to pay Jordan Henderson’s £20m transfer fee

Jordan Henderson’s move to Al-Ettifaq is far from dry and dry, with the Saudi Arabian club under pressure to raise the necessary funds to sign the Liverpool star.

Henderson is the latest Premier League star to be linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, with the Reds captain rumored to be close to a reunion with former teammate Steven Gerrard.

The England midfielder has agreed a deal worth around £700,000 a week, but a move could be jeopardized as Al-Ettifaq scrambles to collect the fee needed to bring him from Anfield.

His club are unwilling to let the player leave for nothing and are thought to be seeking around £20 million if they part ways.

Crucially, Al-Ettifaq was not one of the clubs backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Liverpool midfielder Henderson (left) saw his move to Al-Ettifaq hit a stumbling block

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are not prepared to say goodbye to their captain this summer for free

PIF, which has an 80 percent stake in Premier League club Newcastle United, took control of Saudi Arabia’s four leading teams, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.

Henderson should talk to his manager Jurgen Klopp late today, and a decision on his future is expected to be made by the end of Friday.

Early indications were that Henderson would be reluctant to leave Liverpool at this stage of his career, and was worried about his place in England with Euro 2024 at the end of next season.

It is clear that his family also had reservations about moving to the Middle East.

However, he is said to have had doubts about the move and is seriously considering Al-Ettifaq where he will see his wages quadruple.

His potential move has also drawn criticism from a Liverpool LGBTQ+ fan group, who were reportedly ‘appalled’ that the player was considering a move to the Saudi Pro League.

Henderson was nominated for ‘Football Ally’ at the 2021 LGBT+ Awards after making headlines for his supportive tweet to Liverpool fan Keith Spooner during the Rainbow Laces campaign.

Same-sex relationships are illegal in Saudi Arabia and women’s rights are also severely restricted.

Jordan Henderson has previously been praised for his support of the LGBT+ community

Steven Gerrard’s side have already agreed terms that would see Henderson earn around £700,000 a week

Gerrard takes on his third managerial role after an impressive playing career

Liverpool LGBT+ group Kop Outs criticized Henderson for considering a move to Saudi Arabia

Kop Outs criticized Gerrard (right) for his decision to become Al-Ettifaq manager, having previously expressed his support for Robbie Rogers (left), who came out as gay in 2013

Henderson had earned credit for his public support for England fan Joe, who said they were ‘stiffened’ from attending a Three Lions game at Wembley ahead of a match

“Kop Outs have appreciated Jordan Henderson’s ally,” the group wrote.

“We are shocked and concerned that anyone would consider working for a #sports washing operation for a regime that oppresses women and LGBT+ people and regularly tops death sentences?

Gerrard’s participation in this sportswashing is particularly annoying given his previous support for LA Galaxy teammate Robbie Rogers.

‘If someone has made a fortune, should money entice him to work? Maybe they should ask themselves those questions.

“We hope that Jordan Henderson proves to be a man of his word and remains true to the values ​​of our club, which he has been an absolute embodiment of until now.”

The midfielder will be training with his Liverpool teammates at the start of the season, with Liverpool heading on a bumper tour that includes friendlies in three different countries before opening their Premier League campaign at Chelsea.

Liverpool have confirmed the £60 million signing of Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai

Szoboszlai joins Alexis Mac Allister, who signed for £35m from Brighton last month

Mail Sport exclusively revealed last week that Henderson had been targeted by the Saudi Pro League club who appointed Gerrard as their new manager earlier this month.

The Reds have already signed two midfielders this summer as their mid-park revamp continues steadily.

The Klopp side signed Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton for £35m and Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig in a £60m deal, with Fabinho also linked with a move to Saudi Arabia alongside Henderson.

Liverpool have also parted ways with Navy Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at the end of their contracts.